NPR News Now — November 5, 2025, 12PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise round-up of major national and international news, including political milestones, disaster updates, Supreme Court hearings, state responses to food aid shortages, and international business protests.

1. Historic New York Mayoral Election

(00:15–01:18)

• Key Points:

  • Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, will be New York City’s next mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
  • Mamdani is New York’s first Muslim mayor.
  • Cuomo, once a "political titan," struggled due to past sexual harassment scandals.
  • His campaign was supported by President Trump, who threatened federal funding cuts if Mamdani won.
  • Mamdani’s victory is described as a voter shift toward “more hopeful politics.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Zoran Mamdani (00:40):
    “The future is in our hands, my friends. We have toppled a political dynasty.”
  • Brian Mann, NPR (00:31):
    "Mamdani, who will be New York's first Muslim mayor, was relatively unknown and Cuomo was a political titan. But last night, it was Mamdani declaring victory."
  • Lakshmi Singh (01:18):
    "Cuomo was endorsed by President Trump, who threatened to withhold some federal funding to New York City if Mamdani won."

2. Louisville UPS Cargo Plane Crash

(01:18–01:58)

• Key Points:

  • First responders continue searching for victims at the UPS plane crash site at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
  • Governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least 9 fatalities, anticipating further updates.
  • 11 people have been reported injured.
  • The crash occurred during takeoff for Honolulu; video footage revealed “flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Governor Andy Beshear (01:36):
    "People have died, but I'm now fairly confident that that number will grow by at least one. We hope it doesn't grow by too many more. I believe by this afternoon we'll have a pretty good grasp of both the number of fatalities and, if there are any, the number of missing persons that we're still looking for."

3. Supreme Court: Trump’s Tariff Powers

(01:58–03:06)

• Key Points:

  • The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether President Trump can unilaterally impose tariffs under federal law using “emergency powers.”
  • Previously, the court allowed Trump’s policies to proceed temporarily under the “emergency docket.”
  • This is a substantive test of presidential authority, involving expedited full arguments.
  • There is skepticism about the court’s reluctance to second-guess the president on national security matters.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Nina Totenberg, NPR (02:28):
    “The Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority has in the past been receptive to Trump’s claims of presidential authority…The tariff cases are the real thing, with the court having ordered full briefing and expedited arguments…On its face, Trump’s opponents have a strong case, but the court is often reluctant to second guess presidential determinations on questions of national security.”

4. Alabama Expands Food Aid After Shutdown

(03:06–04:00)

• Key Points:

  • Alabama is allocating $5 million to food banks to assist those impacted by the government shutdown’s cut to food aid.
  • The funding includes $2M in emergency funds and $3M from the Department of Human Resources.
  • $300 grants will go to families enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
  • Birmingham has also released $1M in city reserves for food assistance.
  • Nonprofits describe the need as “urgent and growing.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jamie Leo, Christian Service Mission (03:41):
    “Assists food banks between the government shutdowns SNAP benefits. There's just a lot of need out there. Food banks were already low on resources, and so this money will really help.”

5. Shein Faces Protest in France

(04:00–04:47)

• Key Points:

  • Online access to Shein in France suspended due to protests about the sale of sex dolls.
  • Chinese retailer Shein opens its first physical boutique in Paris at Beashvay department store amid controversy.
  • Protesters criticize Shein for labor abuses and environmental issues; some brands are cutting ties with the store.
  • The opening drew both enthusiastic shoppers and vocal demonstrators.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Rebecca Rossman, NPR (04:11):
    “Demonstrators accuse Shein of labor abuses and environmental harm. Founded in China, the retailer is opening on Beyashve's sixth floor. There's been backlash since it was announced last month with several brands cutting ties with Beyashve.”

6. Market Update

(03:06 & 04:47)

• Key Points:
  • U.S. stocks are trading higher.
  • The Dow and Nasdaq have gained about 200 points; S&P is up by 43 points.

Memorable Moments

• Zoran Mamdani's victory speech ([00:40]): A clear turning point in New York City politics.
• Governor Beshear’s somber update ([01:36]): Expressed the gravity and ongoing uncertainty after the UPS crash.
• Supreme Court’s pivotal hearing ([02:28]): Nina Totenberg’s summary underscores the significance for presidential power debates.
• Local and state support for food banks ([03:41]): Direct evidence of ongoing community needs post-shutdown.
• Clashes outside Shein’s Paris opening ([04:11]): Visual scene-setter for an intensifying debate about global fashion and ethics.

For a complete, up-to-the-minute news overview, this episode offers a brisk yet impactful update on significant U.S. and international developments.